Penalty numbers

[Schultj]

Guys,
I've been struggling with getting the numbers of players with penalties during the game. I think the reason is that after I throw a flag, I keep officiating, and then when the play is over I try to find the number. I'm hoping for some advise on when to continue officiating and when to get the number first and move on. Does it depend on the location of the play? I especially stuggle at U with this due to the congestion.

[BktBallRef]

It sounds to me like you aren't seeing the whole play. If you're frequently having this problem, then you need to focus more on watching the entire play and being sure that a foul really occurred.

Watch the players, know which way the play is going and who's blocking who. Recognizing what players are in what positions before the play will also help you. If you're the U, and it's a sweep to your left, then the tackle is probably blocking a DT or LB that started on your right. If you're wingman, then the WR is probably blocking a CB.

Watch the players, and not the runner, at least not until he's in the defender's grasp.

JMHO

[northindyref]

The one thing nice about football is that you do not have to rush. If your throw your flag, stay with that play long enough to get the number. Remember that you are not the only official on the field. After you have the number, you may proceed to follow the play.

As a Referee, there are pass plays and kick receptions that I never see since I am with the QB or kicker. You must rely on your fellow officials to to their jobs.

[JMN]

What you might think about is taking a picture of the player who fouled.

My mechanic is:

1) See the entire play, rule a foul if the action created an advantage for a team at the point of attack or if it's a safety issue

2) Keep eyes on action and throw a flag at the spot of the foul

3) Take a "mental snapshot" of the player that fouled (this forces you to stay with the play long enough to register the number, color of the jersey, and approximate yard line where foul occurred)

4) Pick up the action and continue officiating.

It's easier with experience, but sometimes we might miss a number. It's not the end of the world. Rarely will you miss any additional play coverage by staying with the foul for an extra second or two.

[Mike Simonds]

Here's an idea to improve your mental recall:

Every dead ball period before the snap, repeat the numbers of the players you are assigned to cover: for example, the umpire will check for 5 OL numbered between 50 to 79; the wings will mentally check their players like this: "I've got A80 being covered by B29".

Best one is this R I work with as his U: After a break in the action (time-out, etc.) he will ask me if I remembered the number of the ball carrier and the tackler on the last play.

During team warmups I practice watching players and repeating their numbers to myself.

These little mental exercises will help you remember the numbers when you actually call a foul.